Aparan, a small town that is as severe as it is picturesque, lies at the foot of Mount Aragats, Armenia's roof. A small town in the high plateaus, buffeted by the winds, dry and freezing in winter, it is an ideal point of departure for climbing Aragats.

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If someone were to ask you what Steve Jobs, Kim Kardashian and Princess Diana have in common, what would you answer? They are all of Armenian origin... of course! Sometimes more known for its famous expatriates than for itself, Armenia is a multifaceted country still widely unexplored and seldom frequented by Western tourists. But what riches are hidden there! From the capital Yerevan to the emblematic and legendary mountains (Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats), Armenia boasts churches and monasteries listed in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, a thousand-year-old culture of incredible variety. With a rocky landscape of canyons and high plateaus, 90% of the land is situated above 1000 metres altitude to delight the soul of the lost wayfarer. Traveling in Armenia also means meeting a proud, hospitable and warm people, always overjoyed to be able to share with passing visitors and to assist them in discovering their country and its resources forged over several millennia more intimately. Don’t wait a moment longer, you too can create your tailor-made trip to Armenia. Բարի գալուստ Հայաստան (Bari galust Hayastan or Welcome to Armenia)!

Armenia

Aparan

The symbol of a country which recalls the riches of its history and the bitterness of its defeats.

Mount Ararat

Areni's excellent red wines  are produced in a small village in the south west of the country on the border with Azerbaijan

Areni

The ruin of the Amberd Fortress is 2300 m above sea level; it is a symbolic monument perched on top of a stony setting and at the foot of Mount Aragats. Just next to the Vahramashen church (11th century) is another architectural and scenic gem.

Amberd

In the River Kasagh gorge Hovhannavank monastery presides majestically over the volcanic rocks  which dominate the river.

Hovanavank

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Hovhannavank monastery is a sublime religious site dating from the 7th century, in the River Kasagh canyon, which extends north from Ashtarak. Over 10 kilometres the valley has some of the most beautiful sites in the country, which you can explore on foot, by car or in a taxi. The high point of Hovhannavank monastery is its 12th century cathedral, covered in traditional inscriptions carved into the stone. It is these the site is famous for and they are worth a visit all by themselves. During my visit I went for a walk between the two main monasteries in the gorge, Hovhannavank and the sublime Saghmosavank, which are about 1 and a half hour's walk apart across the river valley. It was <a href="/armenia/">a great Armenian experience</a>.

In the River Kasagh gorge Hovhannavank monastery presides majestically over the volcanic rocks which dominate the river.

Hovanavank Vacations

Hovanavank: How to get there?

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Hovanavank: For how long?

Hovanavank: What to see nearby?